Older Adult Psychiatry

A Wide Range of Services available at Oaktree

The Oaktree Clinic commits to provide excellent specialist care to older adults with any mental health issues. Older Adult Psychiatrists at the clinic have unique skill sets with the ability to treat patients with memory problems, and mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis that may also be complicated by physical illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and sensory deprivation. These specialists are also experienced in managing psychological and social impact of ageing.

We provide you with timely & consistent treatment in a comfortable and caring environment of Oaktree. Our doctors and nurses can visit you at home for assessment, diagnosis and treatment. We may refer you for blood tests & head scan followed by a review to your/ private GP if you wish.

We have specialist psychologists to offer a wide variety of talking therapies. and can refer you for evidence based supportive therapies for older adults e.g. Dance movement therapy, relaxation and mindfulness therapy, available at Oaktree.

Oaktree is the only service in West Midlands to offer ground-breaking and highly effective rTMS treatment for selected mental health disorders in Older Adult.

At The Oaktree Clinic we realise that the family and carers play a vital role in patient treatment and rehabilitation. We work with the carers to ensure recovery and a better quality of life.

Old Age Services at Oaktree

Dementia, Specialist Memory Clinic

Dementia usually occurs in people over the age of 65, although it can occur earlier. Memory difficulties can also be caused by treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or anemia and common mental health illnesses like depression or anxiety can mimic dementia.

The role of our specialist memory clinic is to assess for neurodegenerative progressive dementias by comprehensive memory assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support. Physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms associated with dementia can complicate the picture.

Prevention or slowing the progress of dementia through medication, healthy active lifestyle, stimulating mental activities designed to stimulate specific areas of the brain, social interaction are very effective. Bearing these in mind, expert psychiatrists & psychologists at Oaktree have designed a brain exercise and social group for anyone over 18 years of age.

Non Dementia Services

Depression can affect 1 in 5 older people, the presentation maybe atypical; laden with anxiety symptoms or present with physical (psychosomatic) symptoms, further complicated by physical illnesses. It can mimic dementia. There is a high risk of self-harm with depression in older adults. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent and treat depression.

Anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying psychiatric disturbance, due to general medical conditions or induced by diet or alcohol or medication. It could be a part of depression or psychological stress due to a decline in memory and physical functioning.

Psychotic symptoms are not uncommon in older adults. A number of factors can contribute to psychotic symptoms including, ageing brain, hearing impairment, cognitive decline, neuro-chemical imbalance and loneliness.

Alcohol and substance misuse in Older Adults

A third of older adults develop alcohol related problems later life, often as a result of life changes such as retirement or bereavement, or feelings of boredom, loneliness and depression. A small proportion of older adults also may get dependent on prescription or over the counter medication.

Unfortunately the prevalence of alcohol-related problems is increasing, due to under-reporting, ageism, stigma or overlooking it as a problem in older adults. As the pattern of alcohol disorders differs from younger adults, it’s important to seek help at the earliest for better outcome.

At the Oaktree, experts provide a non-judgmental, age-appropriate, confidential assessment followed by use of various medical and therapeutic interventions like motivational interviewing techniques to provide adequate psychosocial management.

For more information or to book a consultation please contact us on 0121 314 0330.

Other Older Adult Services

Bereavement disorders

Grief and loss is a distressing experience especially common in this stage of life. It could be losing near or dear ones, retirement, or on making significant changes to life. Majority of older adult do not need professional help to deal with it. Unfortunately some may develop unresolved grief and mental health illnesses. Psychological therapies and sometime pharmacological treatment are required to support the older person.

Mental Fitness and Wellbeing Sessions

Apart from a healthy active lifestyle, stimulating mental activities especially those designed to stimulate specific areas of the brain are found to be very effective as well as continued social interaction. A consultant-led drop-in session, run once weekly for patients & carers, on often-confusing mental health and wellbeing matters. This is an unique opportunity to seek expert advice and information in an informal manner, in a comfortable environment. We may have guest speakers in some sessions.

Early Diagnosis of Dementia

Early diagnosis is important for any memory problem, particularly dementia, so if you are worried about your or some one in your family’s memory and would like an assessment, contact The Oaktree Clinic. A senior psychiatrist will see you within one week for an assessment of your cognition and memory.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I contact you?
We request information from your GP and arrange for you to see one of our senior doctors within one week.

Can you see me at my home?
Yes, but this will have cost implications.

Can my spouse/ child/ family come with me during the appointment?
Actually, it is quite helpful if you can, as collateral history is valuable.

How long will the appointment be?
The first appointment is 90 minutes and follow up ones 30 minutes long.

What do I expect at the assessment?
The consultant will ask about your current memory issues, day-to-day functioning and relevant past history. They usually complete a short paper and pencil test with you as well.

How much will it cost?
We have basic packages starting at £395 for initial and £175 for follow up appointments. There are optional services with different costs.

What investigations may be needed?
Consultant may request you to have blood tests and a head scan. This will be done and reported at The Priory or Queen Elizabeth Hospitals. Scans can be done as part of the package we offer or you may select to have them done independently of us.